How to get there : The Myeik archipelago situated on the southern Taninthayi Division of Myanmar (formerly known as Tennesarim coast). Around and on the east of Myeik, there are many valuable tin mines, oil palm plantation, rubber plantation and evergreen forest. There are above 800 spotted islands scattered across the blue sea along the Taninthayi coast. Kawthaung is one of the entry ports into Myanmar and is only separated from Thailand by a broad estuary in the Pakchan River. On the Andaman Sea, there can observe many valuable Pearl breeding and fishing beds. Fishing is the traditional business along the coastal sea and islands. There can be seen a tribe known by various names Chaunam (Water folk) by Thais ,Moken by themselves and Salone of Myanmar. Moken adopt their way of life as marine nomads. They are expert in swimming, diving and submerging in the sea .Therefore they are also called ” Sea – gypsy ” or “Men of the Sea”. There can be accessed by air and by land from Yangon.

DAWEI

Dawei is the capital of Tanintharyi Region in the southern part of Myanmar. Dawei is a coastal region covering an area of over 4184 sq km. According to the history, it has been an important trading port. Its features some interesting colonial architecture, with many old wooden, thatch-roofed bungalows and some brick and stucco mansions.Dawei is dotted with islands and famous historical pagodas.

Under British rule Dawei was known as Tavoy. Dawei was first established as Thargaya town some 1200 years ago and the old city is still visible in the north west of present-day Dawei.

The most venerated pagodas are the Shin Motehti Pagoda, to the south of Dawei town, Shin Datweh Pagoda to the north and Shin Maw Pagoda on the Dawei Promontory. The LawkaTharaphu Pagoda features a 74 m long statue of the reclining Buddha.

One of the prominent place to visit in Dawei is Maung- magan Beach, a well-known beauty spot in the area. As Dawei is in the coastal region, fisheries and marine indust- ies form the mainstay of the local economy.

BEACH AND TRIBE

MAUNGMAGAN BEACH

Maungmagan is a beautiful beach in Thanintharyi Division. By the hills rising up from the shoreline, the beach is situated in a beautiful setting. It is a seaside village about 16 km from Dawei. The beach is long, shallow and totally unspoiled. Most people in the region are fishing skillfully as their living by tradition.

SALONE PEOPLE

The Salone people, also known as Moken, who live in the sea around the MyeikArchipelagos spend their whole life on small boats, by diving for pearls and looking for such sea products. They come to land only for shelter from cyclones during the monsoon season.

ISLANDS

COCKS COMB ISLAND

Cocks Comb Island or known as “an emerald heart island” is situated at the south west of Kawthaung and a four hour journey by boat. This Island is the new destination for Andaman Sea Snorkeling tour. The big mountain island, with the Heart Lake inside is located on the sea. Many sharks and lobsters can be found in abundance here. This is an ideal location for snorkeling when the tide recedes. It is the best area of Asia for snorkeling.

The underwater nature is the real heaven of Snorkeling Man. There can see all kinds of fishes. Coral Reef Area is spread full of water area.

BO CHO ISLAND

Bo Cho Island , one of the many beautiful islands that make up the Mergui Archipelago in the Andaman Sea, is situated at the south of Lampi Island. This island also boasts a mile long sandbank and scenic views overlooking the village at the pagoda located on the hill. This island has a major settlement of Salone people during the monsoon season who are sometimes referred to as “Sea Gypsies” or the “Salone.”

KYUN PHI LAR

Kyun Phi Lar, also called Pilar, is the tourist’s favourite island in Myanmar’s beautiful Mergui Archipelago. The long white beaches stretch for kilometers without a footprint in the sand. There can see monkeys sitting on the beach and leisurely snacking on crabs.

KAWTHAUNG

Kawthaung, formerly known as Victoria Point, is the southern mosttown in Myanmar. It is one of the entry ports into Myanmar and is separated from Thailand by the broad estuary of the Pakchan River. Kawthaung retains the charming character of a prosperous fishing village.

Kawthaung is surrounded by the Mergui National Reserve and the key to enjoying in Kawthaung is to escape 100m back from the harbor where the town’s charming streets offer sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the harbor. The Andaman Club Resort was built on ThaHtayKyun island, which is about 10 minutes from Kawthaung.

MYEIK

The place of a long and proud nautical history and colonial era buildings

The gorgeous and remote Myeik archipelago lies in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of southern Myanmar. Myeik has a long and proud nautical history and one of the best kept collections of colonial era buildings in Southeast Asia. Mergui Archipelago comprises over 800 beautiful islands. The surrounding seas are alive with an amazing diversity of flora and fauna, very beautiful underwater scenes and marine life. The crystal clear water of the outer Mergui Archipelago are perfect for pearl farming. At present, it remains largely undiscovered by tourists.

The islands of the Myeik are popular places to dive, snorkel and enjoy the crystal clear water off the coast. On land, there are a number of lakes and lagoons, teeming with an abundance of wildlife.

Several religious buildings, stupas and sculptures can be seen on PatawPadet Island. Theindawgyi Pagoda is the biggest and most popular Pagoda in town.It offers terrific views over the Northern Islands and consist of a very small museum. Tourist can enjoy the cheap, high quality fresh seafood available from local restaurants and markets.

LAMPI ISLAND

Lampi Island is the most famous and the largest island in the southern half of the archipelago. The shape of the island is like a giant horse shoe. This island has been designated as a National Park. Various kinds of flora and fauna can be seen on island. Scientists are just starting to explore the amazing wildlife of Lampi. Mag- nificent mangrove is also situated on the island.

MACLEOD ISLAND

Macleod Island is an unspoiled island with white-sanded beach and crystal clear water in the Myeik Archipelago. It is also a prime location for snorkeling, diving, sea kayaking, fishing and bird watching. It is also a good place for trekking and jungle safari. Macleod Island is home to a beautiful eco-lodge style resort. It’s the perfect place if you’d like that your visit is in harmony with the nature of the archipelago.

MALIWAN WATERFALL AND HOT SPRING

Maliwan Waterfall, a pretty spot worth a visit outside of the dry season, is the most attraction of Kawthaung. It lies around 40 km north of town along a good road and takes 2 hours drive by car. The waterfall lies a little further up the hill about 25 minute walk up. The scenery around this area will surely take away your breath. Hot springs are located 8 km from the waterfall. The natural hot water is channeled from the hot springs to a bathing unit through a piping system.